Church youth groups and schools are being encouraged to test out their green credentials, from how they travel to school to their packed lunch habits, as part of this year’s eco-themed Education Sunday, taking place on Sunday 8 February.

Education Sunday is the national day of prayer and celebration for all those involved in the world of education. This year’s theme is 'The Earth is the Lord’s', highlighting the role of schools and colleges in helping young people lead lives that recognise the vital importance of caring for God’s creation.

A colourful quiz sheet, written by the Church of England’s environment adviser, David Shreeve, and backed by the Bishop of London, gives young people the chance to assess their environmental impact and suggests small steps they can take to cut down their carbon footprint.

In a message to young people taking part in Education Sunday activities, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, Bishop of London and Chair of the Shrinking the Footprint campaign, comments: “We do not possess the earth. We hold it on trust. We receive it from previous generations and have a responsibility to pass it on in a better state than we found it for the sake of our children and the generations to come.

"At present there are many signs that we have forgotten this sacred trust. I am thrilled that you will be inheriting the earth and passing it on in the future, and are going to try our Shrinking the Footprint quiz. See what more you can do to make a difference.”

The environmental theme for 2009 complements a range of activities aiming to ‘shrink the carbon footprint’ of the Church of England and to encourage greater awareness of the sustainable actions that individuals and communities can take to try and halt environmental damage and climate change.

These include the inauguration of ‘Time for God’s creation’, a period between 1 September until 4 October set aside as an opportunity to put the environment at the heart of their worship, and the launch of ‘Don’t Stop at the Lights’ by Church House Publishing, a guide offering church leaders a template for a year-long programme of practical action presented alongside sermon ideas and bible study notes which aim to reconnect the church to the natural world and the roots of its faith.


On the web:
The quiz sheet is available for download (and printing on recycled paper) from the Church of England’s Shrinking the Footprint website at www.shrinkingthefootprint.cofe.anglican.org/stf_quiz_jan09.pdf

Other resources such as material to create prayer stations and song suggestions for assemblies and services, are available at www.educationsunday.org. A Welsh version of the main Education Sunday leaflet is available at www.natsoc.org.uk.